The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel right next to Johnson and Wales University in Uptown Charlotte has a convenient location and updated rooms with large flat-screen TVs and fun, modern decor (think chocolate brown mixed with lime green and slate blue). Standard rooms lack mini-fridges and microwaves, and the bathroom vanities are oddly blocked by the toilets. However, with a modern fitness center and an outdoor saltwater pool, the hotel is a good value (though extras like Wi-Fi and parking require an additional fee).
The Doubletree by Hilton Hotel right next to Johnson and Wales University in Uptown Charlotte has a convenient location and updated rooms with large flat-screen TVs and fun, modern decor (think chocolate brown mixed with lime green and slate blue). Standard rooms lack mini-fridges and microwaves, and the bathroom vanities are oddly blocked by the toilets. However, with a modern fitness center and an outdoor saltwater pool, the hotel is a good value (though extras like Wi-Fi and parking require an additional fee).
For those who can afford it, the four-pearl Inn on Biltmore Estate delivers a memorable experience. The stately property that opened in 2001 on the grounds of the world-famous Biltmore Estate offers spectacular views around every corner from its hilltop perch. Highlights of its extensive amenities package include fine dining, a full-service spa, pool, and fitness center. Its 210 guest rooms are traditionally decorated, spacious, and nicely appointed, with Keurig coffeemakers, robes, nightly turndown, and marble bathrooms. Some units include balconies and separate walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs. But the grand experience comes at a hefty price that doesn’t include admission to the Biltmore Estate. The three-pearl Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate also allows visitors to stay on the Estate grounds, but often at lower rates.
For those who can afford it, the four-pearl Inn on Biltmore Estate delivers a memorable experience. The stately property that opened in 2001 on the grounds of the world-famous Biltmore Estate offers spectacular views around every corner from its hilltop perch. Highlights of its extensive amenities package include fine dining, a full-service spa, pool, and fitness center. Its 210 guest rooms are traditionally decorated, spacious, and nicely appointed, with Keurig coffeemakers, robes, nightly turndown, and marble bathrooms. Some units include balconies and separate walk-in showers and whirlpool tubs. But the grand experience comes at a hefty price that doesn’t include admission to the Biltmore Estate. The three-pearl Village Hotel on Biltmore Estate also allows visitors to stay on the Estate grounds, but often at lower rates.
The 136-room Aloft Ballantyne has an ultra-contemporary, minimalist feel. The rooms lack a lot of color (dark, sleek, and sexy is the name of the game here) and are relatively small, but feature large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The lobby, though, packs in a lot of color with funky furniture, and has a pool table, a 24-hour mini-mart, and a bar. Catering to business travelers, the hotel, which overlooks a golf course on one side and a corporate park on the other, has a small 24-hour fitness center and a small indoor pool that families may also enjoy.
The 136-room Aloft Ballantyne has an ultra-contemporary, minimalist feel. The rooms lack a lot of color (dark, sleek, and sexy is the name of the game here) and are relatively small, but feature large flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. The lobby, though, packs in a lot of color with funky furniture, and has a pool table, a 24-hour mini-mart, and a bar. Catering to business travelers, the hotel, which overlooks a golf course on one side and a corporate park on the other, has a small 24-hour fitness center and a small indoor pool that families may also enjoy.
The Grove Park Inn is geared toward luxury travelers and has the price tag to prove it, along with expensive meals and valet parking. The upscale 513-room hotel is spectacularly beautiful inside and out; built from stacked stones and dating back more than 100 years, it is surrounded by one of the most revered golf courses in the area, and comes equipped with an enormous spa and several restaurants and bars. In addition, there are spacious indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a National Geographic-approved outdoor adventure center on-site. Guest rooms are elegant and cozy, with period Arts and Crafts furnishings and views of the mountains or courtyard through lovely, wood-trimmed windows. Kids' programs and camps are offered daily and nightly.
The Grove Park Inn is geared toward luxury travelers and has the price tag to prove it, along with expensive meals and valet parking. The upscale 513-room hotel is spectacularly beautiful inside and out; built from stacked stones and dating back more than 100 years, it is surrounded by one of the most revered golf courses in the area, and comes equipped with an enormous spa and several restaurants and bars. In addition, there are spacious indoor and outdoor pools, tennis courts, and a National Geographic-approved outdoor adventure center on-site. Guest rooms are elegant and cozy, with period Arts and Crafts furnishings and views of the mountains or courtyard through lovely, wood-trimmed windows. Kids' programs and camps are offered daily and nightly.
The 171-room Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront is a low-key, family-friendly property on the beach. All rooms have microwaves and balconies, many with oceanfront views, and some have bedside whirlpool tubs for couples. A popular amenity is the indoor pool and adjacent hot tub under a glass ceiling. Casual American fare is served in the restaurant, plus there are a summertime bar on the beachfront deck. Other features include a grassy lawn with swings for kids, a market, a laundry room, and a small gym. However, the property could use an update -- worn carpets and dated fixtures need replacing. Travelers may want to compare rates with the BEST WESTERN Ocean Reef Suites, which has an outdoor pool.
The 171-room Ramada Plaza Nags Head Oceanfront is a low-key, family-friendly property on the beach. All rooms have microwaves and balconies, many with oceanfront views, and some have bedside whirlpool tubs for couples. A popular amenity is the indoor pool and adjacent hot tub under a glass ceiling. Casual American fare is served in the restaurant, plus there are a summertime bar on the beachfront deck. Other features include a grassy lawn with swings for kids, a market, a laundry room, and a small gym. However, the property could use an update -- worn carpets and dated fixtures need replacing. Travelers may want to compare rates with the BEST WESTERN Ocean Reef Suites, which has an outdoor pool.
The Breakwater Inn is a 23-room value property overlooking Pamlico Sound. This low-key motel is geared toward families and fishermen, offering boat slips, boat trailer parking, and a location near the Hatteras Ferry. Rooms in the older Fisherman's Quarters are quite rustic, though all rooms have water-view decks and come with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Suites with kitchenettes and hot tubs are available. A free continental breakfast is served in the lobby and there's a seafood restaurant associated with the inn next door. However, the only facilities at the property are the outdoor pool and kiddy pool, and the hotel in general has some dated and worn decor. Travelers may prefer The Inn on Pamlico Sound, which is a similarly priced property with more upscale rooms.
The Breakwater Inn is a 23-room value property overlooking Pamlico Sound. This low-key motel is geared toward families and fishermen, offering boat slips, boat trailer parking, and a location near the Hatteras Ferry. Rooms in the older Fisherman's Quarters are quite rustic, though all rooms have water-view decks and come with microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. Suites with kitchenettes and hot tubs are available. A free continental breakfast is served in the lobby and there's a seafood restaurant associated with the inn next door. However, the only facilities at the property are the outdoor pool and kiddy pool, and the hotel in general has some dated and worn decor. Travelers may prefer The Inn on Pamlico Sound, which is a similarly priced property with more upscale rooms.
The 93-room Holiday Inn Express Cherokee/Casino is a two-and-a-half-pearl option with a convenient location across the street from Harrah's Cherokee Casino. It's also a short drive from other attractions in the area. Rooms are basic and a bit old school, but include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is free only for IHG Rewards members, though the program is free to join. The free breakfast includes a selection of hot and cold items, and free coffee and tea are available 24/7. The outdoor pool is a plus in the summer, and there's a small fitness center, too. On-site parking is plentiful and free. Alternatively, travelers looking to save on rates could check out the Rodeway Inn & Suites On The River instead, where some rooms have whirlpool tubs and balconies.
The 93-room Holiday Inn Express Cherokee/Casino is a two-and-a-half-pearl option with a convenient location across the street from Harrah's Cherokee Casino. It's also a short drive from other attractions in the area. Rooms are basic and a bit old school, but include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers. Wi-Fi is free only for IHG Rewards members, though the program is free to join. The free breakfast includes a selection of hot and cold items, and free coffee and tea are available 24/7. The outdoor pool is a plus in the summer, and there's a small fitness center, too. On-site parking is plentiful and free. Alternatively, travelers looking to save on rates could check out the Rodeway Inn & Suites On The River instead, where some rooms have whirlpool tubs and balconies.
The 150-room Chetola Mountain Resort is an upper-middle-range property with a gorgeous setting on 87 acres of scenic woodland. A popular wedding destination, the resort is just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and within walking distance to Blowing Rock village. Rooms are divided among the Bob Timberlake Inn, Chetola Lodge, and privately owned condos complete with full kitchens. Some have lake views, fireplaces, scenic balconies, and whirlpool tubs. Free breakfast is included with inn and lodge rooms, but not condos. The resort has a lot of on-site amenities including a big indoor pool, fitness center, children’s playroom, and tennis courts. Guests recommend staying at the Bob Timberlake Lodge to be close to the restaurant and pub, with its big fireplace and outdoor terrace. But travelers looking for a spa vacation might want to consider the Westglow Resort & Spa as the on-site spa here gets mixed reviews.
The 150-room Chetola Mountain Resort is an upper-middle-range property with a gorgeous setting on 87 acres of scenic woodland. A popular wedding destination, the resort is just south of the Blue Ridge Parkway and within walking distance to Blowing Rock village. Rooms are divided among the Bob Timberlake Inn, Chetola Lodge, and privately owned condos complete with full kitchens. Some have lake views, fireplaces, scenic balconies, and whirlpool tubs. Free breakfast is included with inn and lodge rooms, but not condos. The resort has a lot of on-site amenities including a big indoor pool, fitness center, children’s playroom, and tennis courts. Guests recommend staying at the Bob Timberlake Lodge to be close to the restaurant and pub, with its big fireplace and outdoor terrace. But travelers looking for a spa vacation might want to consider the Westglow Resort & Spa as the on-site spa here gets mixed reviews.
The Mountain Inn & Suites offers a comfortable stay at a good overall value. Located just off Interstate 26 in Flat Rock, the lower-middle-range inn is a short drive to Hendersonville and just 30 minutes to Asheville. It has a friendly and relaxed vibe, with freebies including a hot breakfast, laundry service, parking, and Wi-Fi. But it doesn’t have a pool or fitness center. Its 67 rooms are clean and pulled together, if a bit dark and basic. Standard rooms include coffeemakers and flat screen TVs, but only Suites have mini-fridges and microwaves. Some Suites also have whirlpool tubs. Rates are attractive, but the nearby Quality Inn & Suites typically has better prices. It also has an indoor pool and fitness center.
The Mountain Inn & Suites offers a comfortable stay at a good overall value. Located just off Interstate 26 in Flat Rock, the lower-middle-range inn is a short drive to Hendersonville and just 30 minutes to Asheville. It has a friendly and relaxed vibe, with freebies including a hot breakfast, laundry service, parking, and Wi-Fi. But it doesn’t have a pool or fitness center. Its 67 rooms are clean and pulled together, if a bit dark and basic. Standard rooms include coffeemakers and flat screen TVs, but only Suites have mini-fridges and microwaves. Some Suites also have whirlpool tubs. Rates are attractive, but the nearby Quality Inn & Suites typically has better prices. It also has an indoor pool and fitness center.
Situated within a five-minute walk of restaurants, bars, and shops in downtown Asheville, this three-and-a-half-pearl chain hotel makes for a clean and contemporary base. Common spaces are bright and airy, while the 140 spacious guest rooms all have corner sleeper sofas as well as large flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers -- but note that some can experience noise from the nearby interstate. There's a cool rooftop bar with an outdoor terrace that serves craft beers and small plates, as well as a cafe/bar with Starbucks coffee. Light meals/snacks are available for purchase 24/7. Other features include an indoor pool and small fitness center, but guests complain that parking incurs a fee. For an alternative with an outdoor pool, check out Aloft Asheville Downtown.
Situated within a five-minute walk of restaurants, bars, and shops in downtown Asheville, this three-and-a-half-pearl chain hotel makes for a clean and contemporary base. Common spaces are bright and airy, while the 140 spacious guest rooms all have corner sleeper sofas as well as large flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers -- but note that some can experience noise from the nearby interstate. There's a cool rooftop bar with an outdoor terrace that serves craft beers and small plates, as well as a cafe/bar with Starbucks coffee. Light meals/snacks are available for purchase 24/7. Other features include an indoor pool and small fitness center, but guests complain that parking incurs a fee. For an alternative with an outdoor pool, check out Aloft Asheville Downtown.